This article by Emily Heglund in the Tribune and Georgian does not discuss the impact of the proposed launch sites on the Intracoastal Waterway which parallels the west side of Cumberland Island and, as Skipper Long suggests, the possibility of Waterway closures during each launch seems very real. As shown in the map below, the site of the spaceport would be on the western shore of the Waterway south of St. Andrew Sound. Cumberland Island is a barrier island and noted as one of the most spectacular natural habitats in the Northern Hemisphere. It is hard to see how such a habitat with its wild horses and native wildlife could be preserved with launch corridors at both north and south ends of the Island. If you have further information into this turn of events, let us hear from you.

Camden spaceport could be ‘turning point’ for Ga.
by Emily Heglund
Camden County residents could see the first ever launch from a local spaceport as soon as 2018.

But that’s only if the community can stay focused on the process of bringing a spaceport to the area, according to county administrator Steve Howard.

The idea that two years ago seemed outlandish to some is quickly gaining momentum as Howard and other county leaders work toward a purchase agreement with the two landowners who currently hold the proposed 11,000-acre site at the east end of Harrietts Bluff Road. The land has already served as the site of the Thiokol chemical corporation and, most recently, of Bayer CropScience.

On Tuesday morning, Howard and Georgia Tech professor and space expert Dr. Robert Braun addressed the Camden Roundtable, a non-partisan citizens group dedicated to furthering community discussion and participation.

Braun said Georgia could leverage the skills of its already-thriving aeronautics industry to aid the setup of a spaceport in Camden.

This could have terrible impacts on Cumberland Island and result in frequent waterway closures.
Roger Long

I believe it would actually be across from Cumberland Island on Floyd Creek near marker A31 N30 56.034 W81 30.643. We passed the abandoned industrial site when we took the inside route. Still the impacts on the island and waterway would be severe as the flightpath would be over both.
The “protector” of Cumberland Island, Carol Ruckdeschel, who we saw briefly but didn’t get a chance to talk to is a very interesting person known as the “Wildest Woman in America”. Her biography is titled “Untamed”. Her web site is: http://www.wildcumberland.org. She is someone you should definitely touch base with if you want to look into this further.
BTW Floyd Creek is an excellent alternative to getting beat up out in the sound although another mid rising tide only passage for most boats.
Roger Long

Skipper Reeves cruises out of Jekyll Harbor Marina, A SSECN SPONSOR, and always provides us with reliable local knowledge about problem stretches in his area. Cumberland Dividings, south of Jekyll Island, is a perennially shifting channel that has moved away from your chartplotter’s magenta line.

Here Garmin shows the track going into the marsh. The dividings are a easy to navigate IF you follow the Reds and not the thin magenta line on your GPS.
Sonny Reeves

We are receiving regular reports of shallow water and groundings in Jekyll Creek, a perennial trouble spot. SSECN recommends extra care and mid to high tide only for this passage. See Navigation Alert from October. Markers 19 and 20A are on the north side of the Hwy 520 fixed bridge. Ours thanks to Skipper Reeves who keeps us posted on all things Jekyll! Jekyll Creek is home to Jekyll Harbor Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

First pic G19 is circled and sailboat is heading South. Second pic Sailboat is clear of 19 by staying 40 ft of marker. The channel is very narrow and the sand/mud bar is moving East into channel.
Hope this helps as many are swinging wide and running aground. Hug the East bank & line up on next marker.
Call the marina for local knowledge or Boat US
Seeya,
Sonny Reeves
The Office

Green 19

Sailboat at Green 19

And then, there is this strange advice from a tow boat captain:

While in Jekyll Creek in July this year with our 6′ draft sailboat, I called Boat US to ask about areas to watch for. I thought they were supposed to be a resource. The guy who I spoke with told me that I shouldn’t worry, he takes 6′ draft boats all up and down that stretch of the ICW and I should just stay in the middle of the channel. When I told him that sometimes the middle of the channel isn’t always obvious, he said that I should travel at low tide so as to be able to see it! Counter intuitive for a sailboat!
Joni Goodman

Jekyll Harbor Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, lies along the easterly banks of the AICW’s passage through Jekyll Creek, immediately south of the 65-foot fixed bridge. All Waterway cruisers, north or southbound, will pass Jekyll Harbor Marina. Our thanks to Sonny Reeves for bringing us this good news from Jekyll Harbor Marina. Those golf carts will be perfect for Jekyll touring!

Hi Capt Larry,
The dockmaster Scott Todd @ Jekyll Harbor Marina has worked hard with the owners to get two golf carts for boaters to use on the island. These are excellent vehicles to visit the Historic district and the shopping center on the island.
In addition a new set of washer and dryers are now in our renovated laundry room. The Showers have been tiled and updated. Very nice and just in time for South bound cruisers to stop over on Georgia’s Jekyll Island. With 30 miles of bike trails you can ride one of the marina’s free and new bicycles to the beach, the forest or river view trails in safety off the roads.Enjoy!
Sonny
1 Harbor Rd
Jekyll Island Georgia 31527

We are receiving regular reports of shallow water and groundings in Jekyll Creek, a perennial trouble spot. SSECN recommends extra care and rmid to high tide only for this passage. See http://cruisersnet.net/?p=144835. Markers 19 and 20A are on the north side of the Hwy 520 fixed bridge. Ours thanks to Skipper Reeves who keeps us posted on all things Jekyll!

October 15, 2014
Sonny Reeves reports that another cruiser has run aground today at Marker #19.

Hi Larry, I have an update on the infamous Green 19 of Jekyll Creek. [See link above for photos.]
We went to the markers and slowly went back and forth. Sadly we found 4 ft at low tide where last year was 6 ft at low tide. The channel is very narrow. Tow Boat US advises to stay 40 ft from marker. Sailboat in picture was about 80-90 ft off the marker and turned wide running aground. This was at 2.5 hours until low tide. Here is a suggestion going South stay centered on Red 16 and Green 17 then as you turn to South West line up 40 ft off of Green 19, put Green 19 to port going South. Call the Marina or Tow Boat US for local knowledge. Wait for rising tide that may run 7-9 ft in this part of the ICW near MM 685. Hope this helps.
Sonny Reeves

And this report from Skipper Poovey:

Hey, Larry.
Came through here this morning at 10:15 AM ( 1 Hr., 45 Min. past High tide) from the North. Stayed within 25 ft. to the west of marker G-19 and read 5.8 feet on both sounders.
Bob Poovey
m/v Threadbare

Jekyll Creek is a perennial trouble spot and SSECN recommends mid to high tide only for this passage. See http://cruisersnet.net/?p=144628. Markers 19 and 20A are on the north side of the Hwy 520 fixed bridge immediately north of Jekyll Harbor Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! Our thanks to Skipper Reeves who keeps us posted on all things Jekyll!

Hi Larry, I have an update on the infamous Green 19 of Jekyll Creek. See pics
We went to the markers and slowly went back and forth. Sadly we found 4 ft at low tide where last year was 6 ft at low tide. The channel is very narrow. Tow Boat US advises to stay 40 ft from marker. Sailboat in picture was about 80-90 ft off the marker and turned wide running aground. This was at 2.5 hours until low tide. Here is a suggestion going South stay centered on Red 16 and Green 17 then as you turn to South West line up 40 ft off of Green 19, put Green 19 to port going South. Call the Marina or Tow Boat US for local knowledge. Wait for rising tide that may run 7-9 ft in this part of the ICW near MM 685. Hope this helps.
A barge dropped a fuel hose and dumped 500+ gals of Diesel a few hours ago right at the Bridge. Clean up in on the way but the current flow here rips and now diesel is everywhere.
Sonny Reeves

And this report from Skipper Poovey:

Hey, Larry.
Came through here this morning at 10:15 AM ( 1 Hr., 45 Min. past High tide) from the North. Stayed within 25 ft. to the west of marker G-19 and read 5.8 feet on both sounders.
Bob Poovey
m/v Threadbare

October 15, 2014
Sonny Reeves reports that another cruiser has run aground at Marker #19.

Despite Skipper Schmidt’s warning of shallow water at Marker #19, his report at least confirms the replacement of the marker which, along with Marker#20A, was reported missing just a few weeks ago by our “on-site-reporter,” Sonny Reeves at Jekyll Harbor Marina. These folks are the ones to call for local knowledge, (912) 635-3137. SSECN recommends mid to high tide for Jekyll Creek. Markers 19 and 20A are on the north side of the Hwy 520 fixed bridge immediately north of Jekyll Harbor Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!

Today at 11 AM, according to the tide chart at Jekyll Creek, there should have been a 5ft rise from low water. I came through on 8ft at Green beacon 19. That means there is only 3ft at low tide! Recommend caution transiting this creek.

This is certainly not the first time vessels have anchored in the Waterway channel east of the narrow anchorage: See http://cruisersnet.net/?p=129784. Please take care when choosing an anchor-down location in this small anchorage on the western side of Jekyll Harbor. The narrow area is one of the reasons SSECN has never designated this a recommended anchorage, but as Skipper Reeves sates, it is used a lot. Our thanks to our good friend Sonny Reeves for keeping us updated on all things Jekyll!

Hi Capt Larry,
The pictures are from last night taken from the Jekyll Harbor Marina docks. They show a common occurrence anchoring in Jekyll Creek South of MM 685 and near Red 24. The Trawler in the pictures is almost in the middle of the channel and a sailboat has drug anchor into the channel. Tow Boat US is going out to help the sailboat and ask the trawler if they have seen the huge fuel barges that come by often taking a wide swing at Red 24? A few years ago a small sailboat was lost, the owner survived being rolled by a barge in the same location as the trawler. Each year hundreds of snowbirds use the anchorage. And each week we see boats anchored in the channel. Call the marina or tow boat for local knowledge as it is a good anchorage if you know where to safely anchor. I am also amazed at the powerboats that roar past the marina waking the face dock.. I know you can but does that make it right? You are responsible for your wake.
Sonny Reeves

For cruisers wanting to make a side trip to visit historic St. Marys, GA, the St. Marys River departs the Waterway at statute mile 712. This reported shoaling is in the dogleg just a mile east of St. Marys docks. The charted shoal between markers #6 and #8 would suggest that favoring the east side of the channel would be best. For more on the St. Marys River, go to http://cruisersnet.net/?p=123715

One of our favorite side trips along the southern Georgia portion of the AICW is to leave the Waterway at marker #34, and cruise up the Cumberland Island channel and anchor opposite the “Sea Camp Dock” in the Dungeness Greyfield Channel Anchorage on the west side of Cumberland Island.

A well protected anchorage. Tide is about 6 ft. Seacamp dock is the most popular, but further N is quieter. Park entry is $4 for seven consecutive days.
Steve Lancaster

Much discussion has taken place regarding Marker #32 at statute Mile 690 in St. Andrew Sound, most of which has involved alternate routes to avoid Marker #32. Below, John Hersey, ARGUS Project Leader for SURVICE Engineering Company offers two ARGUS perspectives of the waters surrounding Marker #32.

Captains Chris and Janet are responding to a recent posting relating a very rough passage that adhered strictly to the magenta line through St. Andrew Sound (http://cruisersnet.net/?p=130811). Their suggested route below comes complete with a chart. We would like to hear from others who might have made a similar cut close to Horseshoe Shoal to the west of Marker #32. Note Chris and Janet’s very wise tracking of tide during their crossing.

Unless seriously constrained by draft or schedule, a 6 kt boat passing through Jekyll Creek at high tide can cross the outer end of Horseshoe Shoal well to the west of both #31 and #32. We made our first transit of this area 30 minutes after high tide at the Jekyll Marina Station and never saw less than 12 feet on the shoal with wave conditions moderated.
Heading south [from Jekyll Creek], when the magenta line crossed Latitude 31 on the chart, we turned for the old tower on Little Cumberland Island. When the water depth plummeted (west of #32 by 0.6 nm) we turned to intercept the magenta line off #33. This became our standard route.
Caveat, we are unhurried cruisers with 5.5 foot draft. We arrange our days to pass Jekyll, Crooked River, Amelia River #1, and Sawmill Creek #49, each, an hour before high tide.
Chris and Janet

We have taken a similar path six times across Horseshoe Shoals with our 3ft draft Great Harbour trawler. Our route is more north/south right along 081 25.0 W. We’ve always seemed to transit at half tide or better on both ebb and flood tides and are careful to not let the strong current set us east or west. Correcting for the tide we’ve always seen depths that concur with those charted (7 to 8ft mlw). We don’t turn away from our N/S heading until the depths drop off. Have been hesitant to share this as we are each responsible for our on navigation and have different risk tolerance. With a 3ft draft we are probably more tolerant of 7ft charted depths even in area’s where the significant tidal currents can change the bottom quickly.
Roger Arrowood

Hi All,
I think Capt Chris and Janet have my chart plotter
That is the course I take every crossing of that sound. Good job explaining how to BTW. As always you are welcome to call for local knowledge at Jekyll Harbor Marina or Tow Boat US. We have several Captains that cross the sound each day ferrying clients to Cumberland and can report on conditions. Hope this helps!
Sonny Reeves

Jan 18 2014
We can confirm the above comments on this route.
Came thru 1 hour before high tide with 5.5 ft draft and never saw less than 12′ of water.
Randy Tice

We have crossed this path many times most recent was Jan 12 going South. Always cutting the corner at the angle shown. As soon as we pass R30 we start turning to the light house. We draw 4 ft and have crossed at low tide.
Sonny Reeves

Jekyll Harbor Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, lies along the easterly banks of the AICW’s passage through Jekyll Creek, immediately south of the 65-foot fixed bridge. All Waterway cruisers, north or southbound, will pass Jekyll Harbor Marina.

Jekyll Harbor Marina is a great spot right on the ICW to spend the night, or spend several months. We are spending the winter here. Great facilities – pool, restaurant, bicycles available, dog friendly, the staff is friendly and always ready to help, and the General Manager, Scott Todd, makes it all run like a well oiled machine. If they don’t have what you need just ask and they will do everything they can to make your visit a pleasant one.
The Island is not to be missed – oozing with history, awesome dog friendly beaches, beautiful golf courses and miles of scenic bike paths.
Alan /Kathy Morris

In addition to Umbrella Cut (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=128619) and other alternates (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=118925) to avoid the infamous R32 in often turbulent waters, Captain Ehlen offers the following suggestion that is an “around your elbow” route, but seems straight forward.
THE SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET WANTS TO MAKE IT CRYSTAL CLEAR THAT WE ARE NOT ADVOCATING THE ALTERNATE ROUTE SUGGESTED BELOW BY CAPTAIN EHLEN. However, now that we have a first-hand account from Captain Richard Ross, cruising aboard the ARGUS cooperative research vessel, Chez Nous, this route is CERTAINLY on our radar to research in the near future!
Even the adventurous among us should not have the tiniest thought of trying to run the channel east of #7 without an up to date and well functioning GPS chart plotter aboard.

I haven’t tried this myself, but looking at the charts it seems to me that there is a deep water alternative.
When heading south, at red #2 at Raccoon Key Split, turn to starboard SW above Horseshoe Shoal. Follow markers 3,4,5 and 6, then turn to port after G7. Head east until back on the ICW between FG33 and G33A.
I hope someone has comments, good or bad, about this alternative.
Wade Ehlen

Here’s a posting from “the archives” that describes the route I recently suggested. Posted on 11-02-2011
“We went through the area yesterday. It was beyond awful in the Sound, so we turned to starboard up the Satilla River to marker 8, turned to port and worked our way through the deeper water back to Cumberland River. This is NOT the charted alternate route, but much shorter and worked for us. It was about 2 hours after high tide and we were able to make it through. We draw 5′. Not flat, but the giant elephants in St. Andrews made it a no-brainer for us.
Take a look, and good luck!
Stephanie Wakelin M/V September Song”
Wade Ehlen

And, finally, HERE IS THE FIRST-HAND KNOWLEDGE OF THIS ALTERNATE ROUTE WE HAVE BEEN SEEKING, and from a veteran cruiser, piloting an ARGUS cooperative research vessel, no less. We have pasted a shot of the channel near marker #7, showing the ARGUS soundings. Click on the chartlet to be taken to a Chart View page of these waters, with the ARGUS layer automatically activated!

We have taken this route twice, and it does avoid the worst of marker 32. The charted depths are fairly accurate, and the only shallow spot is a sharp bump just south of marker 7. Take it slow there, as the bottom rises quickly from 12 ft to about 5 feet MLW, then immediately drops back to 12ft. Click on ARGUS to see the exact spot.
Richard Ross M/V Chez Nous

Came though the same route as Chez Vous early December. Winds ENE 15-20. Good alternative… had same observations. Draft:5.5ft
Doug Jacoby

The unpleasant passage experienced by Captain Gorham and crew is the reason we continue to look for alternate routes to avoid the infamous R32 in St. Andrew Sound (see http://cruisersnet.net/?p=130801). SSECN has heard similar horror stories and has had a Navigation Alert posted for Marker #32 for some time now.

We had a wild ride southbound through the Sound on November 30, 2013 in our 26 foot Glacier Bay cat. Conditions were a lot rougher than I anticipated, and visibility got bad due to spray and the occasional breaking wave over the bow. We shaved marker 32 close on the western side, and had 10 foot depths that dropped very quickly to 35-40 feet almost immediately after we passed the marker. There were solid breaking waves on the big shoal to the east of the marker at the time, so I suspect it was close on to low tide.
Jonathan Gorham
M/V Top Cat

I talked to a ferry captain that crosses the sound twice each day 365 days a year and he advised that a Northeast wind was the worst for the affect on the waves and current. A Northwest wind would be second worst and then next worst would opposing winds and tides, i.e. West winds with incoming tide or East winds and out-going tide. South winds being most favorable.
Sonny Reeves

OK, ALL AICW cruisers bound through southern Georgia within the next six months (at least), LISTEN UP! It appears we have a serious problem on the AICW’s passage through often ROUGH St. Andrew Sound, south of Jekyll Creek/Island. The data detailed below was sent to the Cruisers’ Net by way of fellow cruising guide author, Captain John Kettlewell.
Captain John, a good and long-time friend of yours truly, and I have been in close touch about this St. Andrew Sound situation, and compared notes. Unfortunately, neither of us has had occasion to research this portion of the Waterway for a good two years, so WE COULD REALLY USE SOME LATE BREAKING INPUT FROM THE CRUISING COMMUNITY CONCERNING THIS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION! If you have cruised the St. Andrew Sound section of the AICW within the last 4 months, PLEASE e-mail me directly at CruisersNet@triad.twcbc.com, or click the “Comment on This Posting/Marina/Anchorage/Bridge” link below!
With that being said, it appears to both John and myself, that the charted shoal north and northeast of marker #32, may well have built out almost to the northern edge of this aid to navigation. Thus, if any vessel attempts to pass #32 to its northern or eastern sides, that sad sound of keel meeting sand (or mud), will be the result.
As Captain John notes below, the marker numbering scheme, and the placement of the infamous (and ofter incorrect) magenta line in these waters is truly bizarre. John suggests, with good reason, that #32 might now be an inlet marker, and should be passed to its safe, southern side when cruising east to west through St. Andrew Sound Inlet. I agree with John that this seem plausible, BUT, conversely, the numbering suggests #32 is in fact an AICW marker.
Our collective best advice at this point, is to be SURE to pass #32 to its western and southwestern flanks, without straying too far from this aid to navigation. Under no circumstances should you attempt to pass #32 to its northerly side. Ignore strangely placed marker #31A. From #32, southbound AICW craft should point to eventually come abeam of marker #33 well to its western side. Note that it’s a long gap between #32 and #33!
OK, AGAIN, we need to more input on this situation. PLEASE let us hear from you! The SSECN is declaring a Navigational Alert for these waters!

Update as of 12/2013

We had a wild ride southbound through the Sound on November 30, 2013 in our 26 foot Glacier Bay cat. Conditions were a lot rougher than I anticipated, and visibility got bad due to spray and the occasional breaking wave over the bow. We shaved marker 32 close on the western side, and had 10 foot depths that dropped very quickly to 35-40 feet almost immediately after we passed the marker. There were solid breaking waves on the big shoal to the east of the marker at the time, so I suspect it was close on to low tide.
Jonathan Gorham
M/V Top Cat

Earlier Contributions:

I came through traveling north on 10/13/2013 at mid-tide following the Magenta Line as usual. No problem. Saw 60′ between Stm 690 and R32 dropping to 16′ just past R32.
James H. Newsome
Contributing Writer – Southwinds Magazine
s/v Roma – Coastal Cruising With Hugh & Suze

Well, we know that r32 is off station. It is actually north east of the charted position and located on the edge of the shoal that goes bare at mllw; so any vessel with 5’ or more draft can be in trouble. It’s a money maker for Sea Tow.
The troubling issue is why the course line is drawn incorrectly to the west of that buoy but actually provides a guide thru safe water? Did NOAA know it’s off station and just drew the line incorrectly to give us a hint? Interestingly, if you look at a chart that’s about 10 years old ; you will see the course line is drawn on the correct side!. When a person is piloting the sound for the first time; what should they believe; the buoy or the course line? That could be an interesting debate between husband and wife and/or Captain and owner! I didn’t see any notices to mariners about the buoys location.
Pete

Here is what I am guessing, but do not know without some further research. The R32 may now be positioned as a red-on-right marker for those returning from the ocean via the inlet, therefore they want you to leave it to starboard when inbound from the ocean, but in reality you need to leave it to port when headed south on the ICW. This would mean in addition to its red color it should have a fluorescent yellow square on it indicating that it is considered a port-side beacon for the ICW (when southbound). Though according to the most current Light List, those markings are not the case so I may be wrong in this guess. Or, you could be right in that the buoy is simply off station. I will try to find out more and get back to you.
John Kettlewell

Claiborne:
Take a look at the following messages with regard to R32 in St. Andrew’s Sound. For some reason the magenta line on the chart is on the wrong side of the buoy and has been for years, but this fellow says that now the R32 is on the edge of the shoal to the NE and if for some reason you do leave it to starboard when southbound it will put you aground. Do you have any information on the area you can share?
John Kettlewell

And, as usual, the cruising community is responding by sharing useful information! There just aren’t any better folk than cruisers!

Between 2009 and 2011, my wife and I made 4 transits of the sound on our sailboat, which draws 5 ft.. Our last was north bound to NJ in late March 2011. We were traveling with another boat and followed him through. We both treated Red “32″ as an AICW bouy and passed close to port, because of the narrow channel. I always monitor closelly my nav instruments and and don’t rememmber the exact depth, but I am sure it was double digits. Everything seemed routine and no different than previous transits. Red ” 32 ” appeared to be in its usual position. As far as the magenta line is concerned, it is not unusual to see it out of place.
I would add that the sound and behind Jeckel Island are some of the more challenging parts of the waterway and have my respect and full concentration. I remember the crossing well, because the wind was from the SE and blowing around 18 to 20kn kicking up quite a sea. I felt like I was in a washing machine.
John and Honey Funston
Hielan’ Lass II

All Sailors
We passed thru this area July 23 2012 bound for our home port of St Augustine. Our observations were :
First , R32 was east and somewhat north of our chartplotter position
Second , It was half flood tide and depth sounder showed 6 feet on that side ( we left it to starboard per ICW southbound )
Third , G31A was nowhere in sight
We have had several nasty storms along this coast in June ( Berrell ) and in July ( Debbie ) and others without names.
Notices have been posted to be watchful for missing marks, etc.
Our sailboat,Santana, draws 3 feet 8 inches which is becoming desireable around here Safe sailing to all.
Captains Matt and Margaret
PS On the same trip, we encountered 2 , yes 2, funnel clouds in the St Simons/ Brunswick inlet on July 19 and turned around and went back out to sea. They were not forecast!

We passed St.Andrew Sound red 32 northbound in April this year and kept it close to port as we made the turn. We draw 5 feet and depths were not a problem. The breakers to the northeast were very obvious, very visible. The mark may have shifted since then as there have been two TS’s that have blown through this area in late spring/early summer.
Steve and Sheila Kamp
S/V Carolina

We transited this area last spring and twice last year. We always pass on the southwest side of R32 approximately where the magenta line shows on your chart. We have been skeptical of the channel between G31 and R32 for a years.
Walter and Ellen Solomons
M/V Rachel

In January of this year (2012) we were headed south and kept R32 on the Starboard side, on our return trip in April we kept it to port. We draw 5 feet and had no problem. We did stay close to the mark both times. We do not have a chart plotter, and had a 10 + year old chartbook so gave no thought of passing R32 on the “wrong side.” If I remember correctly, it does have an ICW yellow triangle on it.
John and Georgie Jackson

Passed through here the 6th of May and did pass to the West side of “32″ as I always do having a draft of 3′. I do this as it allows for a more gradual turn and I never see less than 10′ and this is not overly close to the mark. Has anyone reached out to the local towing services or the USCG for their input???
Donovan (EOS, TC-44)

Jim Reed's tracks

We passed this area on 4/16 going north and got very confused and concerned about the water depth. About 6 ft. I believe we took R32 port side on the way back whereas we might have cut it going south. I have my fairly detailed track files for the trips if they are desirable but they do not show the depths recorded.
Jim Reed

We transit this route several times a year. Last transit was June of this year heading north to Brunswick. We have a full keel 6ft draft sailing vessel and usually time our passage close to high tide due to transiting Jekyll Creek. We always pass R32 on the east side of the buoy as the CG stated (the Magenta Line is incorrect in the turn). It is a tight turn and particular attention should be paid to the alignment of G 31A and G 31 as you round R 32 keeping it to port (heading north). It is a little unnerving due to the quick depth change (deep to shallow) but there was at least 15 ft of water at high tide in June. Pretty much the same for the past 3 years. Hope this helps.
Capt. Jesse Price s/v Wind Dust

December 18, 2013. Note the Local Advice!
Passed 32 today. Steered a course from 31 to 32 heading south and passed about 100 ft on the wrong side of 32. Minimum depth at 32 was 15.8 ft. With tide at 6.1 ft over mlw. Locals at marina also advised passing on the wrong side.
Terry, Orient Moon

The shallow waters north and west of marker #24 are not, AND NEVER WILL BE, an SSECN recommended anchorage, but as Captain Reeves observes and documents, they are getting a lot of use. Given the narrow, constantly shifting channel that barges must navigate in Jekyll Creek, cruisers choosing to anchor north of marker #24 will be wise to put out a short scope and to stay well west of marker #24. Our thanks to Captain Reeves, from Jekyll Harbor Marina – A SALTY SOUTHEAST SPONSOR! – for pointing out this potential hazard.
The Anchorage at Red 24 south of Jekyll Harbor Marina is getting a lot of use this season. My concern is when boats anchor to the east of the marker R24 and are in the ICW. You know we have a lot of BIG barge traffic on this part of the ICW. I am attaching pictures from last night that show a boat anchored in the ICW east of the marker. One boat did not have an anchor light. We had a boat hit 2 years ago by a barge, just the corner! The owner was saved but lost his boat. He was anchored near the public dock east of R24.
Cruisers are welcome to anchor and visit the Marina in their dingy for shore access or to use the public dock. Of course they are always welcome at the Marina. Call Tow Boat US or the Marina for local knowledge.
Stop by and visit with us we will be in The Office.
Sonny Reeves

Our good friends, and SSECN strategic partners, Captains Mark and Diana Doyle, founders and owners of “On The Water ChartGuides” (http://www.onthewaterchartguides.com/), give us an updated, graphic report below, relaying what they discovered as they navigated through the Jekyll Creek section of the AICW, south of St. Simons Island and Brunswick, Georgia on 11/21/13! Note that the Doyle’s soundings were taken near high tide, so to calculate MLW depths, you must subtract 6.6 feet from their soundings depicted below. Applying this correction, Diana and Mark noted soundings of “4.5 to 5.5 feet at MLLW! CLEARLY all cruisers should transit this AICW Problem Stretch at mid to high tide!
Incidentally, Diana and Mark have recently published a new edition of their immensely popular “ICW CruiseGuide.” Click on the book graphic to the above left for more details, and to place an order!

Hi Claiborne,
As you said on our ICW Google Hangout with Wally Moran the other night, Jekyll Creek is yet another Georgia ICW Trouble Spot.
With depths as low as 4.5 to 5.5 feet MLLW, Diana and I wanted to share with SSECN readers the printable graphic below of our November 21st survey report and depth-annotated track.
Best,
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
m/v Semi-Localhttp://www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com